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The paper considers previously unknown denudation-tectonic circular landforms with the diameter of 1.5-2 km, defined by us as karst calderas. These forms are presented in western Georgia, namely in Zemo Imereti Plateau, on the carbonate-terrigenous cover of the Georgian block. Endogenous-exogenous mechanism and conditions of their origin have been proposed in the paper. The integrity of the substrate cover in its local volume is violated by the stamp impact of the hearth structure on the covering of PreCretaceous substrate, thus creating favorable conditions for selective denudation, activation of destructive processes and occurrence of inversive depressions of the circular shape. Field geomorphological and karst-speleological large-scale survey of the area was carried out during research process. In order to properly study the tectonicstructural situation in the research area, we also made a structural decoding of satellite images that allowed us to make a detailed scheme of fault dislocations and specify the regularities of distribution of karst forms. The structural decoding of satellite images revealed the previously unknown terrain circular forms of chain distribution in the Zemo Imereti Plateau. The genesis and evolution of above-mentioned landforms is closely related to the geomorphological and geological structure of the research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the large variety of methods for estimating slope erosion intensity, it is still difficult to obtain accurate erosion rates. Therefore, our goal was to develop a method to provide accurate estimates of sheet and rill erosion intensities, and evaluate denudation quantities due to abrasion, landslides and talus processes using a high-precision laser scanning system (Trimble® GX). Differential maps between all stages of surveying and TIN-models were built directly on point clouds in "Trimble® RealWorks" software. Inspection and cross-section tools were used for detailed study of ground movements on the slope surface and the development of linear erosion forms. A new method for accurate estimates of the erosion has been developed using terrestrial laser scanning techniques. It makes it possible to assess the denudation–accumulation balance on erosive slopes, determine the dynamics of the volume of material moved on different parts of the slope in various surface runoff events, and identify spatial regularities forming rill washouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]